Chris Olsen: Create An Outdoor Votive Chandelier

WOW your guests this summer with the perfect summer party. It's all about decorations and doing something completely different than you have done before.

Outdoor Candle Votive Chandelier:

While entertaining al fresco, there is nothing like candlelight to set the mood! Why not create your own outdoor candle votive chandelier! This project is truly thinking outside the box and gives you the opportunity to go on the hunt for... bed-spring coils! Scout your local antique malls, flea markets, or even online to find 5 of these items. Then head over to your local big box store to find 5 12-inch Tree Branch Hooks (These hooks have an "S" shape with one end being larger than the other end.) At your big box store, you will also need 5 12-inch lengths of small width chain. You will also need a key chain ring. This ring will hold the lengths of chain together to hang the chandelier. You may already have 5 votive candle holders at home. If not, your local craft store will have these and don't forget 5 votive candles! Pick up a can of spray paint to paint the bed-spring coils and tree branch hooks if desired.

After spray painting the bed-spring coils and tree branch hooks, take the 5 Tree Branch Hooks and place one on top of the other until a "5 arm" chandelier look has been created. Be sure that the larger end of the hook is pointing farthest away from the center. As you stack each hook, hot glue one on top of the other. Once glued, wrap wire around the center of the chandelier to secure (Hot glue only sets this project in place). Next, place each bed-spring coil inside the larger part of the hook. Be sure to align the wide mouth of the bed-spring coil up with the curvature of the hook. Wire may be needed to secure. Hot glue candle votive to the bed-spring coils to where it sits inside the bed-spring coil. Attach 1 12-inch length of chain around each of the 5 hooks adjacent to the votive (outside edge.) Bring the 5 lengths of chain together at the top and attach to the key ring. Place your candles in the votive holders and hang from desired area! Light the candles and enjoy your new Outdoor Candle Votive Chandelier!

Suspending Succulent Balls indoors or outdoors makes for a fun and unique focal point. Whether decorating your home or an outdoor space, this project will spark conversation the next time you entertain. A variety of styrofoam balls of all sizes can be found at your local craft store. Purchase a variety of faux succulents. Arrange succulents around the styrofoam balls by first poking the stem into the styrofoam ball as well as hot gluing them for extra security. Take a small hook and poke through the styrofoam ball; hot glue this hook too. Suspend the Succulent Balls with wire, fishing line, or a fun colored ribbon.